Cappa Bleu can make the Red Dragon roar at Aintree and cap a great year for the Welsh

It may be a slight exaggeration to
suggest Wales is moving towards world domination of the sporting stage,
but the Celts from the west have certainly made their presence felt this
year.

A scintillating Six Nations victory
at the expense of old foes England, success for Swansea City in
football's Capital One Cup, Cardiff City dominating the Championship and
a Euro qualifier defeat of Scotland have signalled a recent resurgence
in Welsh sporting fortunes.

Aintree type: Cappa Bleu can improve on his fourth last year

The Red Dragon has the opportunity to roar again this afternoon in the John Smith's Grand National with CAPPA BLEU (Aintree, 4.15) heading a raft of raiders from across the Severn Bridge that also features Teaforthree, Saint Are, Always Waining and Mumbles Head.

In all honesty, it is about time the Welsh did win the great race as their sole victory was achieved in 1905 by the Colonel Freddy Lort-Phillips-trained Kirkland.

However, in the lightly-raced Cappa Bleu they have a live candidate capable of improving on a creditable fourth place in last year's renewal.

The 11-year-old has enjoyed an almost identical preparation to 12 months ago except that shrewd handler Evan Williams eschewed a tilt at the gruelling Welsh National in January.

A fine run at Ascot last time should have tuned him up perfectly and he was only beaten a dozen lengths last term, despite finding trouble during a typically dramatic race.

The selection is partnered by Paul Moloney who steered State Of Play into the frame for three successive runnings before guiding Cappa Bleu into the money last year.

Seabass, beautifully ridden by Katie Walsh, was seven lengths and a place in front that day and looks primed to post another huge showing. He is a little higher in the weights now, but only faded in the last 100 yards as winner Neptune Collonges and Sunnyhillboy swept by and his preparation has also gone smoothly.

Having tipped and backed On His Own last year, it was painful to see him crash out at Becher's second time round when travelling well.

The juice has gone from his price sadly, but he remains one of the most likely winners with Ruby Walsh on board.

For those preferring an interest at tastier odds Always Waining could fit the bill for a stable which excel with their runners over the National fences.

A three-time winner of the Topham Chase, the 12-year-old is perhaps a little long in the tooth to be tackling the National trip for the first time, but he comes alive at Aintree and looks sure to give supporters some fun.